Can a Charged Particle Spin Indefinitely in a Magnetic Field?

In summary, it is possible to keep a charged particle spinning around in circles indefinitely in a magnetic field, as long as the particle is moving fast enough. This phenomenon is similar to the concept of gravity and can be seen in a cyclotron. However, if the particle is not in a vacuum, it will eventually collide with another particle.
  • #1
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If a charged particle experiences a force in a magnetic field would it be possible to introduce a charged particle into an magnetic field and keep it spinning around in circles indefinately whether its in a vacuum or not.
 
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  • #2
I should assume so, as long as the particle was moving fast enough. Sometimes when we are bored in physics, the teacher gets his big magnet out and we see how far round a paper clip will go if we throw it through the gap in the magnet. Obviously we have never had an orbiting paperclip but i believe that if the density of the flux was high and the particle moving fast enough, then it could happen.

Well, it works for gravity don't it? :wink:
 
  • #3
Now all I need is a paperclip :). What if you put two charged plates perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field. Would the particle gain more kinetic energy if it is traveling round in circles (more time spent between the plates) than if it went in a strait line between the plates?
 
  • #4
as long as the plates were the opposite charge to the particle. I am not sure what you mean about perpendicular to the field, a magnetic field is usually all around an object.
 
  • #5

1. What is a particle moving in a circle?

A particle moving in a circle is a type of motion in which an object travels along a circular path with a constant speed. This type of motion is also known as circular motion.

2. What causes a particle to move in a circle?

A particle moves in a circle due to the presence of a centripetal force. This force acts towards the center of the circle and keeps the particle moving along the circular path.

3. How is the speed of a particle in circular motion related to its radius?

The speed of a particle in circular motion is directly proportional to its radius. This means that as the radius of the circle increases, the speed of the particle also increases. Similarly, as the radius decreases, the speed of the particle decreases.

4. What is the difference between uniform circular motion and non-uniform circular motion?

In uniform circular motion, the speed of the particle remains constant throughout the motion, while in non-uniform circular motion, the speed of the particle changes at different points along the circular path.

5. How is centripetal force related to the mass and velocity of a particle?

The centripetal force is directly proportional to the mass of the particle and the square of its velocity. This means that as the mass or velocity of the particle increases, the centripetal force required to keep it moving in a circle also increases.

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